Green Party candidate faces charges in graffiti protest of Dakota Access Pipeline

Jill Stein speaks in Minneapolis
File photo of Green Party presidential nominee Dr. Jill Stein speaking at a press conference inside First Universalist Church in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.
Evan Frost | MPR News File

Authorities say they will charge Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein who is accused of spray-painting construction equipment during a protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota.

Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier said Tuesday that Stein will face trespassing and vandalism charges.

A spokeswoman for Stein says activists invited her to leave a message at the protest site Tuesday. Stein sprayed "I approve this message" in red paint on the blade of a bulldozer.

As of late Tuesday, Stein was not arrested or charged in the incident.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is trying to stop construction of a section of the pipeline that tribal leaders say would violate sacred and culturally sensitive grounds. Angry protesters faced off with construction workers at the site on Saturday.

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